Petroleum vapor control apparatus

Abstract

An improved petroleum vapor control apparatus for scrubbing petroleum vapors at high flow rates without generating dangerous levels of backpressure. The apparatus comprises a substantially air-tight housing into which petroleum vapors are ducted. The vapors are passed through an activated carbon adsorber bed having a large-diameter outlet, after which the scrubbed vapors pass into a zone of controlled pressure. The scrubbed vapors are then vented to the atmosphere. The housing is preferably able to withstand marine conditions, so that the apparatus can be used on marine barges which carry petroleum products.

What I claim is: 
     
       1. An improved petroleum vapor control apparatus which reduces backpressure generated during scrubbing of petroleum vapors, comprising: a) a substantially air-tight housing, said housing comprising a compartment for holding conduits and at least one adsorber bed, wherein said compartment further comprises a floor, and wherein said at least one adsorber bed is located on said floor, said at least one adsorber bed comprising an adsorbent material, an inlet end, and an outlet end, said housing further comprising an opening;   b) a first conduit passing through said opening for conducting petroleum vapors into said housing, said conduit having a first end and a second end, said first end being for connection to a source of petroleum vapors, said second end being connected to said inlet end of said at least one adsorber bed;   c) a zone of controlled pressure in said housing outside of said at least one adsorber bed, said controlled pressure being in the range of about 0.5 psi to about 1.5 psi, wherein said controlled pressure assures that said petroleum vapors contact said adsorbent material for a sufficient length of time to effect the scrubbing of said vapors;   d) a valve in said housing for maintaining said controlled pressure in said housing; and   e) an outlet vent in said housing for venting scrubbed gases to the atmosphere.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises: a) a header pipe in said housing connected to said second end of said first conduit for receiving said petroleum vapors from said first conduit;   b) a first pipe connected at a first end to said header pipe, said first pipe being connected at a second end to the inlet end of said at least one adsorber bed; and   c) said at least one adsorber bed including a second adsorber bed, said second adsorber bed being connected at an intake end to a second end of a second pipe, wherein said second pipe is connected at a first end to said header pipe, said second adsorber bed further comprising an outlet, wherein gases pass out of said second adsorber bed through said outlet to enter said compartment of said housing.   
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said at least one adsorber bed comprises three or more adsorber beds, wherein each of said three or more adsorber beds is connected at an intake end to a pipe, said pipe being connected at another end to said header pipe, each of said three or more adsorber beds further comprising an outlet, wherein gases pass out of each of said three or more adsorber beds through said outlet to enter said compartment of said housing. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said adsorbent material is activated carbon. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said activated carbon is impregnated with a caustic solution. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said controlled pressure is about 1.25 psi. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said valve comprises an opening in said housing approximately 6 inches in diameter. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said valve is located on the outside of said housing. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said valve is capable of maintaining said controlled pressure at petroleum vapor flow rates of about 45,000 cubic feet or more per hour. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said valve is capable of maintaining said controlled pressure at petroleum vapor flow rates of about 56,000 cubic feet per hour. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said valve is capable of maintaining said controlled pressure at petroleum vapor flow rates of about 73,000 cubic feet per hour. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said outlet has a diameter which allows gas to be passed through said at least one adsorber bed without producing backpressure greater than about 2 psi at petroleum vapor flow rates of about 45,000 cubic feet or more per hour. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the diameter of said outlet is greater than about 8 inches. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the diameter of said outlet is about 10 inches. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing is formed from a material which resists corrosion and degradation caused by sea water and sunlight. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing is coated with a material which resists corrosion and degradation caused by sea water and sunlight. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising a relief valve in said housing. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said relief valve opens at pressures of about 2 psi or greater. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising a flame screen in said housing. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said valve comprises an opening in said flame screen of approximately 6 inches in diameter. 
     
     
       21. The apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising rollers in said floor to facilitate the loading and removal of said at least one adsorber bed.